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2003 XLH883, top speed just over !00 (103?) Last year of rigid mount motors (integral to frame). 2004 up were heavier. 2006 last year of carburetor.
Later, I had a 2002 Sportster 1200 Sport with factory dual plug heads, W grind cams, dual front discs, front & rear adjustable suspension. MAP controled ignition module, instead of VOES. Rear tire only lasted ~3,000 miles. Probably only bike I did mot try for top speed (est 125). 110 in 4th came quick (5 speed).
Great memories
Regarding your 08 Roadster, it was the last of the 1200 real Roadster.
https://sportsterpedia.com/doku.php/spor...ry:99xx-01
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The blue 1200 is gorgeous!
Yeah I decided I wanted an older Sportster but I had a few requirements or preferences which included; 1200cc, rubber mount, cast wheels, full suspension not a Hugger, twin front disc brake, mid controls, low/standard bars (no apes), 3.5 gallon tank minimum, and preferred FI over carb. In searching FB Marketplace for over a year I found the above requirements eliminated 99.5% of the Sportsters.
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1200 cc definite performance difference over 883
Rubber mount probably more comfortable for distances. My solid mount was fine for 250 mile days.
Full suspension a DEFINITE plus, as the lowered models had significantly reduced lean angles.
Cast wheels = tubeless tires, which for me became a must for a street bike. My last laced wheels were on the 1976 CB750F (no punctures in 38K miles, fortunately), excluding dirt bikes.
I am OK with a single disc front, but I don't use brakes that much.
Mid controls absolutely.
I think you will find your tank is 3.3 gallons. 4.5 gallon tanks were available on very few models.
FI began in 2007. 2007-2009 wiring has some issues parked / riding in the rain as water would flow over the fuse box/relays. Suggest cleaning both sides of fuse box and use new relays. Other than simplified wiring in 2010 - 2013 (CANBus in 2014), 2008 is a decent EFI year.
Enjoy your project.
My favorite bikes of the 22 owned since 1963:
1976 Honda CB750F
2002 H-D Sportster 1200 Sport
2014 Honda CB1100 (4 into 1)
2023 Moto Guzzi V7-850
Now back to occasional lurk mode.
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(12-11-2023, 03:53 AM)SportsterDoc_imp Wrote: 1200 cc definite performance difference over 883
Rubber mount probably more comfortable for distances. My solid mount was fine for 250 mile days.
Full suspension a DEFINITE plus, as the lowered models had significantly reduced lean angles.
Cast wheels = tubeless tires, which for me became a must for a street bike. My last laced wheels were on the 1976 CB750F (no punctures in 38K miles, fortunately), excluding dirt bikes.
I am OK with a single disc front, but I don't use brakes that much.
Mid controls absolutely.
I think you will find your tank is 3.3 gallons. 4.5 gallon tanks were available on very few models.
FI began in 2007. 2007-2009 wiring has some issues parked / riding in the rain as water would flow over the fuse box/relays. Suggest cleaning both sides of fuse box and use new relays. Other than simplified wiring in 2010 - 2013 (CANBus in 2014), 2008 is a decent EFI year.
Enjoy your project.
My favorite bikes of the 22 owned since 1963:
1976 Honda CB750F
2002 H-D Sportster 1200 Sport
2014 Honda CB1100 (4 into 1)
2023 Moto Guzzi V7-850
Now back to occasional lurk mode.
Tank is 4.5 gallons according to the owners manual, I believe maybe only for that year.
Thanks, that's great info on the fuse box and relays, I'll check and clean them thoroughly and use a bit of dielectric grease.
Sometime I need to jot down my favorite motorcycles. My current CB1100 just might make the list, the V85TT definitely makes it. But I've owned a whole lot that wouldn't!
